Batam-Bintan Bridge Development Plan Estimated Using Costs Reach Rp4.3 trillion

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - The Ministry of Public Works and People's Housing will conduct feasibility study (FS) and detailed engineering design (DED) of Batam-Bintan (Babin) bridge in Riau Islands Province (Kepri) along 7,035 meters with estimated cost of Rp 4, 3 trillion.

The proposed construction of Babin Bridge was conveyed by Riau Islands Governor Nurdin Basirun when meeting with President Joko Widodo at Istana Negara, Jakarta at the end of February which was also attended by Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuljono.

"President Joko Widodo has decided to build this bridge so we have to prepare well. Preliminary design drawings already exist, but careful study must also be taken through the preparation of FS and DED. Moreover, this bridge by sea, should be done bathymetry and detailed engineering geology research, "said Minister Basuki recently.

Regarding the considerable development cost, the Ministry of PUPR is considering using the Cooperation scheme of the Government and Business Entity (KPBU).

"If it is fully financed by the private sector, this bridge will become a toll road and the tariff will be very expensive. Therefore, the Government will be involved in order to make the tariff more affordable. All we will count in his FS. What is the tariff and how much government funding is needed, "he explained.

The construction of Babin Bridge is divided into 3 trases, namely the first route connecting Batam Island to Tanjung Sauh Island along 2,124 meters, the second route of Sua Island to Buau Island along 4,056 meters and the third route to Buau Island to Bintan Island along 855 meters.

The development aims to improve Batam-Bintan connectivity and reduce logistics costs in Riau Islands. In the future not only Batam Island developed, but also Bintan which has Special Economic Area Tanjung Sauh and Galang Island as an industrial and tourism area